Youngstown State has never beaten a number one ranked  team at home.

They however have beaten a top team on the road. In 2011,  the Penguins beat North Dakota State at the Fargodome.

On Saturday at noon, the Penguins have a chance to snap South Dakota State's 23 game winning streak.

"Every game is big, but knowing its the number one team, the defending national champs, yes our kids understand," said head coach Doug Phillips.

"It's a huge opportunity for us, " said defensive end Dylan Wudke who's one of 19 seniors that'll be recognized prior to the game.

"We know what's at stake. A win is crucial for what we want to do in the future."

Quarterback Mitch Davidson says he's approaching this game as normal possible.  "The number one team coming to our house and the Penguins are rolling right now, so we're excited to have this opportunity."

The Penguins are 6-3 overall and a split in their final two games puts them on the bubble for a playoff position at 7-4. The Missouri Valley Football Conference sent three times to the playoffs last year and its a possibility more teams could go this season.

"We have to get into the red zone and score touchdowns and I truly believe if our offense comes out and plays like they usually do and our defense rallies behind them, they're going to shut them down, "said Davidson.

"We and every other team in the conference are chasing them," said Phillips, on the Jackrabbits 9-0 record this year and winning streak.

"I don't know if we've made that jump that you have to to beat a blue blood , beat the North Dakota State's & the South Dakota State's, but that's what we're working on everyday," continued Phillips.